Motoport Air Mesh Kevlar Not Impressed

First off it should be known that I ride a 2007 Yamaha R6, and with any sport bike the seating position is aggressive.

Protection:

These pants are extremely protective and by far the most durable mesh pants available on the market. There isn't much that needs to be said besides the fact that they are above and beyond anything. Truely amazing.

Fitment:

These are not for anybody owning a bike with an aggressive seating position. The material bunches up and the will dig into the area behind your knees. They have a very high waist, meaning they are meant to be worn "urkle style" around the belly button. They are overpants so they will be baggy. The "seat area" is ridiculously baggy when standing straight up, but when sitting down works well. When I say baggy, I mean BAGGY, like when you are stadning up you look like you have the butt of a 400 pound man.

Practicality:

For those of us who commute to college or go out with our friends these pants are about as impractical as it gets. I have a tank bag, tail bag, and north face backpack and none of them are even close to being big enough to hold them. Unless you have large saddle bags you will be carrying these around with both arms. Additionally, I am a smaller guy 5'8 170 LBS, so I can't even imagine trying to cart around a larger pair.

Armor,

I have read many threads with Wayne saying how Tri-Armor is the best out there, and I think from looking at it that it is sufficient for protection, but CE is better. This armor is above average, but by no means excellent. Do I have proof that CE is better? No. However, any reasonable person can decide for themselves. THE HIP ARMOR IS AN ABSOLUTE JOKE. Literally, it is about 3/8 inch thin and is the cheapest stuff you can buy. SAFE YOURSELF $50 and DO NOT BUY IT. I can't really take pictures because it is sewn in, but I am willing to bet a good amount of money that it will be useless in a crash.

Overall Product

The material is the best I have seen, besides leather. However, it is terribly implemented. Maybe there is a reason why no other company uses this material for the entire piece of gear. I think I know the reason, because it is impractical, uncomfortable, and overly bulky. The product is very well put together from a quality control standpoint.

I like Wayne and think he has a good heart in making this gear, but the threads on this board are way too optimistic about this product. I will hopefully be posting pics soon that may illustrate my point, and if anybody wants to shoot me and email in the meantime I will try and answer any questions. I will be sending these back and taking my chances with the other mainstream companies' products. Again, this product is not comfortable on bikes where you need to grip the tank with your legs. For what it's worth, I have crashed before and know how hard of an impact one could sustain.

First off it should be known that I ride a 2007 Yamaha R6, and with any sport bike the seating position is aggressive.

[snip]

Practicality:

For those of us who commute to college or go out with our friends these pants are about as impractical as it gets. I have a tank bag, tail bag, and north face backpack and none of them are even close to being big enough to hold them. Unless you have large saddle bags you will be carrying these around with both arms. Additionally, I am a smaller guy 5'8 170 LBS, so I can't even imagine trying to cart around a larger pair.

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For what it's worth, a tip I've seen in various places is to use a bit of steel cable to secure the pants to your bike, for example looping the cable through one pant leg (one that doesn't unzip all the way, obviously) and put both ends in your helmet lock. A little bit longer and heavier cable could be run through your rear wheel, and over your seat.

I recently sold a pair of motoport overpants because I just never wore them now that I've got my GP-2 pants. I don't commute to work in them, but there's quite comfortable.

Mark, I'm curious-were the pants custom made for you or did you buy them from someone else? I'm surprised to hear your complaints about the "baggy" butt, first time I've heard that. I could see how the seating position on a crotch rocket could make for challenges, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone else mentioning the poor fit. Did you consider sending the pants back for a re-do/adjustment?

A few comments:
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o> </o>Fitment - These are overpants so they are meant to fit bigger so one can layer underneath. If you wanted sport-rider/racing pants, either the GP-2 or Police pants might have been more suitable. Also, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Wayne</st1lace></st1:City> tends to be generous with his sizing, even after providing him with custom measurements. I had to send my overpants back the first time b/c they were too big as well. Mine are in stretch Kevlar which are very comfortable and less abrasive. In a sport-riding position, there is no bunching and they are still very comfortable so much so that it hardly feels like I am wearing anything at all!
<o> </o>Practicality - I think the mesh are much bulkier than the stretch Kevlar. The latter folds up pretty easily and are very light and soft.
<o> </o>Armor - You cannot judge armor by how it looks and feels. Such judgment is what leads novices to incorrectly assume that hard, plastic armor is superior to soft, impact absorbing armor. The proof is in the crash testimonials and impact absorption test results.

Mark, I'm curious-were the pants custom made for you or did you buy them from someone else? I'm surprised to hear your complaints about the "baggy" butt, first time I've heard that. I could see how the seating position on a crotch rocket could make for challenges, but I don't think I've ever heard of anyone else mentioning the poor fit. Did you consider sending the pants back for a re-do/adjustment?

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Yea, I'm thinking the same thing. Along with lack of a crash test, it's hard to gage what the real benefits are from this piece of gear.

I have the stretch kevlar pants and find them super comfy and soft. But the difference may be the very neutral position on my bike. Pretty much sitting straight up. They were a little tough initially, but softened up nicely after half a dozen rides or so. I've read the mesh kevlar is more stiff and takes longer to soften up.

I took some pictures and did a pseudo test of the armour from my motoport pants and compared to the CE armour in my Halvarssons jacket and armour from my old Joe Rocket jacket. See post # 68 in this thread(http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207629). I found the motoport armour to transmit the most "pain" in my highly scientific punch test... Which really surprised me given the claims about the armour and the quality it seemed to have.

STI-51: Not to pick on you but I respectfully disagree. I think you can judge a lot (not all) armor by how it looks and feels. Go take a look at the padding on cheap hockey pads vs expensive pads and you will agree. With the higher end armor I think it is more difficult, but lets be honest that at $300 the armor in these pants in not high end. I mean, there are many back protectors alone that cost $300.

I actually talked to Wayne, and he send me some test results for the armor. I don't want to knock the product here or hurt his business, so I will leave the armor debate for somebody else. However, in my opinion the Tri-Armor is good armor, but I have seen some CE certified armor that is better. Additionally, I will stand firm on my believe that the armor that is sewn into the hip is terrible. My girlfriend even looked at it and said "what is this going to do?" to which I replied "nothing, but I paid extra for it"

As far as the stretch mesh goes I have no idea. I do understand that they are overpants, but so are the other overpants I have purchased and none of them were so awkward. They were not custom fitted, but I can assure you that they fit as they are meant to. In fact, the waist is perfect and they leave me just enough room to wear jeans underneath. I will have to get pictures for you guys soon (20 degrees right now in upstate NY). I am going to call wayne on monday and see what he thinks, but I just can't see these working.

As far as sending them back and forth to get altered I don't feel like it is worth it. It is not worth the time, money in shipping, possible alteration charges, that it would cost to possibly make them more comfortable. For this price I can have perf. leather.

I won't get into the armor debate, but my experience with sizing and practicality of Cycleport overpants has been very positive. I often have trouble finding gear that fits me, but my Ultra II Kevlar pants fit perfectly. I had them modified by Wayne because I changed my mind about how baggy I wanted them, but both times I got exactly what I ordered. Regarding practicality, these are the same as any other pair of overpants. When I get to work, I hang the pants next to my jacket; if there's no place to hang them and the saddlebags are full, I attach them to the helmet lock with a looped steel cable.

I do understand the comment about a very aggressive riding position making things more difficult. I wonder if making the knees more articulated would help; I'd be interested to know if Cycleport was willing to do this.

I won't get into the armor debate, but my experience with sizing and practicality of Cycleport overpants has been very positive. I often have trouble finding gear that fits me, but my Ultra II Kevlar pants fit perfectly. I had them modified by Wayne because I changed my mind about how baggy I wanted them, but both times I got exactly what I ordered. Regarding practicality, these are the same as any other pair of overpants. When I get to work, I hang the pants next to my jacket; if there's no place to hang them and the saddlebags are full, I attach them to the helmet lock with a looped steel cable.

I do understand the comment about a very aggressive riding position making things more difficult. I wonder if making the knees more articulated would help; I'd be interested to know if Cycleport was willing to do this.

Cheers,

-Lujo

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I should be more clear that the pants fit how they are supposed to. I am referring to the fitment issues when I am on the bike. The knee bunch out. I am attributing this to the design of the pant and not waynes ability to properly size the pant. Does that make more sense?

I should be more clear that the pants fit how they are supposed to. I am referring to the fitment issues when I am on the bike. The knee bunch out. I am attributing this to the design of the pant and not waynes ability to properly size the pant. Does that make more sense?

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Well, too bad your not happy with your purchase ..When I decided to upgrade my existing riding gear and go with the Kevlar, I decided to go with the street cut version, just for the reasons you are giving why you dont like your over pants. I sent Wayne a pair of levis and I received my new riding pants just like the pattern. I did a mod that now appears to be on his line up. I kept the stretch on the back portion, and used the mesh on the front. My FRJ may not be as aggressive a seating position as your R6, but for sure its a non issue for me. I wont even address the armor issue, but it appears, you may have bought the wrong style pants for your application.

Mdloops- thanks for the feedback. It takes some guts to post anything anti- motoport on this site

I think you may bring to light some specific issues for your needs that are good input for someone else with the same concerns. The bulk of these suits can be a problem. Even on the bikes I ride these days, which are very upright, when I first got my mesh jacket it would bunch up and push a stiff collar in my neck that was so uncomfortable it wasn't going to work. I sent it back twice to Wayne with a quick turnaround and they adjusted it so it isn't an issue now. I can see how in a very aggressive riding position that would be a much bigger issue. Have you asked Wayne if it can be adjusted to work fo you?

My only gripe on the bulk now is the fitment of the pants with big boots. These suits are advertised as being suitable for even motocross. Try wearing a pair of high end dirt boots like my Sidi Flex Florce, the pants are way to bulky to wear inside the boots, and arent sized to slip easily over a large boot like that. Street boots easy, but on my dirt boots I'm afraid I'll bust the zipper everytime, I even had to remove the motoport shin armor to make it work.

Again, I think you have a good point about the practicality of this suit for commuting if you have limited space to store it. Not an issue at all for me as I'm either wearing mine or setting up camp. I suppose if I still enjoyed Saturday night going out in the city this would be a problem... I don't think Jesse Luggage makes bags for an R6 yet

Even with the compromises I still can't find a suit with anything close to this level of protection AND airflow to make the hot days an enjoyable ride. It would be nice if there was more of a market with more choices availabe.

You hit the nail on the head desert dave. My issue is somewhat specific to the type of bike I own and my riding habits. I am trying to make sure people know that this is a solid product, but it is by no means for everybody. I will be contacting Wayne on Monday before I make any final decisions.

I feel like he does deserve the opportunity to come up with an alternate solution. The material is top notch.

STI-51: Not to pick on you but I respectfully disagree. I think you can judge a lot (not all) armor by how it looks and feels. Go take a look at the padding on cheap hockey pads vs expensive pads and you will agree. With the higher end armor I think it is more difficult, but lets be honest that at $300 the armor in these pants in not high end. I mean, there are many back protectors alone that cost $300.

I actually talked to Wayne, and he send me some test results for the armor. I don't want to knock the product here or hurt his business, so I will leave the armor debate for somebody else. However, in my opinion the Tri-Armor is good armor, but I have seen some CE certified armor that is better. Additionally, I will stand firm on my believe that the armor that is sewn into the hip is terrible. My girlfriend even looked at it and said "what is this going to do?" to which I replied "nothing, but I paid extra for it"

As far as the stretch mesh goes I have no idea. I do understand that they are overpants, but so are the other overpants I have purchased and none of them were so awkward. They were not custom fitted, but I can assure you that they fit as they are meant to. In fact, the waist is perfect and they leave me just enough room to wear jeans underneath. I will have to get pictures for you guys soon (20 degrees right now in upstate NY). I am going to call wayne on monday and see what he thinks, but I just can't see these working.
As far as sending them back and forth to get altered I don't feel like it is worth it. It is not worth the time, money in shipping, possible alteration charges, that it would cost to possibly make them more comfortable. For this price I can have perf. leather.

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So the pants were not made for you. OK.

Aside from that, I think whenever you get anything custom fit, whether it be clothing or maybe a saddle, you have to consider possible adjustments going into it. It's great if you can do a drive-in, but if you live far enough away to have to resort to sending measurements and utilizing the "mail-in" option, you have to be willing to send the item back for adjustments. JMO

Aside from that, I think whenever you get anything custom fit, whether it be clothing or maybe a saddle, you have to consider possible adjustments going into it. It's great if you can do a drive-in, but if you live far enough away to have to resort to sending measurements and utilizing the "mail-in" option, you have to be willing to send the item back for adjustments. JMO

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I agree somewhat. I do believe that you can design a product that will fit most people off the shelf. I am pretty much as average as it gets, and I have never had a problem with things not fitting that are not custom fitted.

I will stress this again, the pants FIT ME. They fit as I think they should. I want people to be aware that this is NOT a fitment issue, and thus when I talk to wayne we will not be discussing getting the "adjusted." Rather it is a problem with the material not being able to conform to an aggressive seating position.

LOL, I know it is hard to believe that these pants are not the "end all," but unfortunately no pant is. I just wanted to give an alternative review to the ones that are on the site, because surely we came up with different results.

Even with the compromises I still can't find a suit with anything close to this level of protection AND airflow to make the hot days an enjoyable ride. It would be nice if there was more of a market with more choices availabe.

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Have you looked into the BMW Venting Machine gear? I've not personally seen it, but it's something that I'm taking into consideration.... or motorport.

Have you looked into the BMW Venting Machine gear? I've not personally seen it, but it's something that I'm taking into consideration.... or motorport.

I think we need a comparison of the two products

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I agree. The venting machine pants and RevIt Challenge pants are two products of great interest to me, but my failure to find information on either is troubling. I know the BMW pants are pricey ($350?) and the challenge pants are around $270. I am leaning toward the challenge pants because they seem like they actually vent more and use good materials. The challenge pants use cordura and the same stretch kevlar that motoport uses. None of this "ballistic nylon" crap. If anybody has info on either of these please do contribute.

I agree somewhat. I do believe that you can design a product that will fit most people off the shelf. I am pretty much as average as it gets, and I have never had a problem with things not fitting that are not custom fitted.

I will stress this again, the pants FIT ME. They fit as I think they should. I want people to be aware that this is NOT a fitment issue, and thus when I talk to wayne we will not be discussing getting the "adjusted." Rather it is a problem with the material not being able to conform to an aggressive seating position.

LOL, I know it is hard to believe that these pants are not the "end all," but unfortunately no pant is. I just wanted to give an alternative review to the ones that are on the site, because surely we came up with different results.

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It's good to see posts from people that are and are not happy with a product. I don't usually base a purchase decision on a single opinion and in the end, I make up my own mind. Good and bad, this forum is meant to share those experiences and opinions-that's what makes it neat.
I hope you find something that better suits your needs.

I just received a pair of Air Mesh Kevlar pants, the grey color, no liners, with hip armor. Bottom line: $352.60, shipped. Not cheap.:eek1

I've ridden in them twice, mostly on city streets with a brief stint at about 55-60 mph for around 15 minutes. My initial impression: they will be very nice in hot weather. The wind blows right through them, almost like the pants aren't there. Excellent venting. It will also be nice to wear shorts under them, too.

The fit is a bit unusual, the hip/ass area is very baggy. This, apparently, is normal from what I've gathered here. I wonder if the armor will stay in place in a crash? Maybe . . . ??

What's most disappointing is the fact that Wayne doesn't include liners ($99 extra) for pants this expensive. Water/rain will leak through this fabric like a sieve. I'll carry my rain suit for rainy days, I guess.

A bit disappointed, but if they save my ass I'll quickly become a believer.